Almost every night from the 1960's until the early 1990's, after a drumroll, which person would announce: "And now, Heeeeere's Johnny"?

For three decades, that booming, drawn-out introduction was the nightly signal for millions of Americans that their favorite host was about to walk through the curtain. The voice belonged to Ed McMahon, who served as the announcer and loyal sidekick for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (Review) from its debut in 1962 until Carson's retirement in 1992. McMahon's role was far more than just introducing the host; he was Carson's on-air partner, laughing at his jokes and participating in countless comedy sketches.

McMahon's enthusiastic delivery of the simple phrase turned it into one of television's most iconic and enduring catchphrases. It wasn't just an announcement; it was an event that set the energetic tone for the entire show. He was the ultimate "second banana," and his chemistry with Carson was a key ingredient to the program's legendary success and longevity.

The introduction became so ingrained in American pop culture that it has been parodied and referenced for decades. Its most famous and chilling use outside of the show was by Jack Nicholson's character in the 1980 horror classic, "The Shining," cementing the phrase's permanent place in entertainment history.